Ignition means and method



Mar. 13, 1923.

1,448,215 S. A. HASBROUCK I IGNITION MEANS AND METHOD Filed. Oct. 51, 1921 .in Ignition Means atentecl Mar. 13, 1923.

STEPHEN A. HASBROUCK, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

IGNITION MEANS AND METHOD.

' Application filed October 31, 1921. Serial No. 511,818.

' r This invention relates to new and useful means and method for igniting the fuel charge of an internal combustion engine and per portion of the cylinder of combustion engine with one form of my invention connected therewith;

it is the principal object thereof to provide both a method and means for the initial starting of such engine when cold or with a liquid as distinguished from a vaporized fuel.-

Among other aims and objects of the invention maybe recited the provision of a device embodying the features of the method mentioned with a View to simplicity and compactness, the cost of production small and efliciency and operation high.

The method and one of the many means by which the same may be performed will e apparent from an inspection of the accompanving drawings in connection with the description hereinafter contained and wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed for the purpose of im parting an understanding of the same.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the upan internal and igure 2 is 'a similar view showing another of such forms.

It is difficult with the devices heretofore used to start an internal combustion engine when the cylinder and its operating parts i are cold, which difficulty is very greatly increased if the fuel is in than aj vaporized form".

With my improved method I install in the cylinder a device that produces a flame as distinguished from the spark ofthe ordinary spark plug, which flame is of suflicient magnitude and burns for a suflicient length of time to make fuel irrespective of the temperature of the cylinder.

Having more particular reference to the drawings and in connection with which like referencecharacters refer to corresponding a liquid form rather which contains a small in the usual manner positive the explosion of the parts, 10 designates the cylinder of an explo- I sive engine, 11 the piston movable therein, 12 the spray nozzle through which the fluid 1s admitted intothe cylinder from 'a conductor pipe 13.

In Figure 1 the head of the cylinder is solid while in Figure 2 the head 14 is separate and is secured thereto in any desired manner.

All of the mechanism above described is constructed and operates in a well known manner.

In Figure 1, 15 designates the spark plug, I

16 the primary electrode formlng a part thereof, 17 the secondary electrode whichis preferably formed so as to provide a cage 18 inclosing a wick 19 of non-combustible material, such as asbestos or the like.

Connected with the cylinder directly in line with the cage 18 is a priming cup 20 and having a valve 21 connected therewith. In starting the engine the valve 21 is manipulated so that a small quantity of the fuel is discharged from the primary cup 20 through the port 22 and drops onto the cage 18 and which moistens the latter. The current is then turned onto the spark plug and the spark formed across the gap between the primary electrode 16 and the secondary electrode l7 ignites the fuel in the wick ,19, thus producing a flame which readily ignites (the fuel projected into the cylinder from the spray nozzle 12, thus positively causing the engine to start.

The necessary air forvcombustion is supplied during each cycle of the piston 11 as is usual. If perchance, the flame is extinguished by theexplosion, it is relighted b the'spark and it will burn until the fuel in the wick has been consumed.

After the wick is primed, the valve 21 is manipulated so as to'shut off the discharge of priming fuel.

quantity of the fuel,

The structure shown in Figure 1 differs i Many other means may be substituted for' those shown herein and accoI'n lish the same results,

therefore in the practlce of my invention I desire it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the exact construction herein shown and described but claim all that falls fairly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim'as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. The method of operating an internal combustion engine, which consists in admitting a limited quantity of priming fuel into the cylinder and there igniting to form a flame that will ignite the fuel admitted there o to operate the engine.-

2. In an internal combustion engine, a cylinder, spark mechanism, a w ck adjacent thereto, means for admitting fuel to said cylinder, and independent means for supplying a lilmited quantity of priming fuel to said W1C 3. In an internal combustion engine, a

cylinder, spark mechanism, a cage or basket inclosing a wick of non-combustible material, means for admitting fuel to said, cylin- .the same for admitting dependent means der, and independent means in line with said Wick for admitting a limited quan- 'tityof fuel thereto.

4 In an internal combustion engine, a cyllnder, means for admitting fuel to said cylinder, independent means adjacent thereto for admittmga limited quantity of pr1m-' 5. In anmternal combustion engine, a cylinder, a spark mechanism having a primary electrode and a secondary electrode, the latter having a wick connected therewith, means fuel to said cylinder, and infor supplying a limited quantity of priming fuel to saidv wick.

in testimony whereof, I have he oeunto affixed my signature.

STEPHEN A. HASBROUCK. 

